Lewis Porter is long known as a jazz educator and author of books, including the most celebrated volume on John Coltrane, and remains very active as a jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer. He is known for approaching diverse musical situations with an open attitude. Internationally, he has performed with accomplished musicians including Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Judi Silvano with Joe Lovano, Jeff Coffin, Jane Ira Bloom, Wycliffe Gordon, Joe Morris, Marc Ribot, George Garzone, Mark Dresser, Gerry Hemingway, Alan Dawson, and Gregg Bendian. He serves as a regular member of Dharma Jazz, an Indian-influenced quartet featuring Badal Roy. A saxophone concerto he composed received premiere performance by Dave Liebman in fall 2012. He has released three albums as leader on the Altrisuoni label and appears on additional collaborative recordings. Critical reception includes characterizations as "a helluva piano player," offering music "founded upon depth and cunning use of space," and being described as "a deep thinker." Porter received a liner-note Grammy nomination in 1996.
- John Coltrane: His Life and Music (1998) Book
- The John Coltrane Reference (2007) Book
- Jazz: A Century of Change (1997) Book
- A Lester Young Reader (1991) Book
- Lester Young (1985) Book
